Joe Flacco in concussion protocol after inexcusable cheap shot

Joe Flacco is in concussion protocol after an inexcusable hit by Kiko Alonso.

Let me make this perfectly clear with this. Alonso should have been ejected. This isn’t bias, it’s just the clear take. His hit was unacceptably violent. Flacco took off and ran. When he slid instead of diving, he gave himself up. Alonso rammed Flacco up high and he launched after Flacco had made his decision. This was not unfortunate timing. This was a dirty and illegal hit.

This is the type of play that football is trying to weed out. There was no legitimate reason Alonso should have made the decision that he did. His team was on the verge of going into a 20-0 hole and he took out the quarterback. This one is as clear as it gets.

The aftermath:

Now the Ravens have to worry about their quarterback. Flacco was not able to come back into the game. Flacco will have to pass through the concussion protocol before he can return to football. The good news for the Ravens, is that they have 10 days until they take on the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

Hopefully, for the Ravens Flacco can return for the next game. Flacco has had a bad season and the Ravens haven’t turned to Mallett for a reason. Flacco gives the Ravens their best chance of winning. When the Ravens have looked good this season (dominating the Browns, beating the Raiders and building a lead against Miami) Flacco has played well. When the Ravens take the field in Tennessee, Flacco better be on the field. Whether or not he is elite, Flacco is the Ravens’ quarterback.

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The Bottom Line:

This is something to keep an eye out for. The facts are simple. Alonso made an illegal hit. The 15 yard penalty wasn’t enough in this case.